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Will decent speakers always out do headphones?

I was just curious for some feedback. I have decent bookshelf speakers (Sonus Faber) and a quality power supply (MAC6700) but also have two teenagers who play drums and guitar. Since I don't have a sound proof/dedicated listening room I decided to invest in a  pair of headphones which I hoped would allow to listen to my music in the evenings while they practice. The headphones accomplish the goal of giving me a break from the endless Black Sabbath/Led Zeppelin riffs (not that its a bad thing... but its a small house...) however its a night and day difference when I sit down in my sweet spot and listen to the same music through the speakers. So much more open and "full". Is this to be expected?
telemarcer
telemarcer OP
112 posts
 
I'm really going to take the whole music through the skin thing to heart. Makes me think of Bull Durham (breathe through the eyelids) but seriously. I never really thought of that but its real. I play concert and jazz trumpet and now that you guys talk about it. Its not skin pre se. Its top to bottom. You feel string bass and drum a little lower in your body than sax and cymbals. Middle tones are right in your chest.... Very interesting concept. Now are there headphones that can do it?
telemarcer OP
112 posts
 
Sorry if that post came across wrong regarding the skin thing. I totally agree. Listening to the Beatles white album for the first time in ages. I see it and still think there must be a way to make good headphones replicate the full sound.
n80
2,133 posts
 
To me there is just something missing in the headphone experience. Granted, I've never listened to really good headphones and I've never listened to open headphones. Even so, I'm usually impressed with the SQ of headphones, but to be honest, I don't like having something on my head and ears. I don't like the way it feels. When I'm doing serious listening via my speakers I like to be totally comfortable and unencumbered.
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
Well, here’s the thing. You don’t want to listen to headphones that are too good or too comfortable, otherwise you might risk being sucked over to the dark side.
telemarcer OP
112 posts
 
So, just in reply to all. Why are headphones not the answer? I spent thousands on my speakers that I cant listen too when I want? Unless you have a family don't judge..... When I have that space when I can open up my system its like magic. I can only imagine what some of the systems that I see profiled here are like. I would think there would be a headphone following in that arena? when I travel for business? I don't see it?
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